Friday, 27 November 2009

The exhibition ‘Waiting Room’ brings together a set of creative artists who share the mutual aim of experimenting with interactive and participatory practices in art.

Waiting Room promises to stimulate the viewer with its array of artistic practice including sculpture and installation; designed to evoke viewer interaction in a multitude of ways. Viewers will be encouraged to interact with some of the works; yet other times, may find themselves being dictated by the work itself. Whatever the scenario, you will be taken through a world of media as the artists attempt to tap into your consciousness.

Thursday, 19 November 2009

Saturday, 14 November 2009

From its humble beginnings as Turtle Arts in 1999, Surface Gallery has evolved from a graduate’s enterprise into a sophisticated and key arts hub in Nottingham. Having relocated in December 2008, from its founding base in the Nottingham Voluntary Action Centre, to its current location of 16 Southwell Road, it has been given an excellent opportunity to expand and develop. As 2008 volunteer Gemma Smith comments, “It has shown me what shared enthusiasm and passion for the arts can attain and sustain.” This is because from its origins Surface Gallery has always had a relaxed approach and has become a meeting place for artists and art students. Its vision is to create an exhibition space where emerging artists can showcase their work without limits; as well as giving the opportunity to volunteers to be involved in all aspects of running an art gallery. Genelva Patterson-Meikle, who currently volunteers, finds that “The gallery has influenced me creatively and has allowed me to make many decisions about what I aim to accomplish in the future in terms of my career.” The gallery allows volunteers to make connections and gain experience in a field that is notoriously difficult to gain employment whilst striving towards a professional approach to the running of the Gallery.

The overall aim of Surface Gallery is to support the professional development of early and mid-career artists, curators and people wishing to work in the arts. This can be seen through its current exhibition ‘Ten Years of Surface...’ The exhibition celebrates and explores the history, present and future of the gallery as a volunteer-run arts organisation, whilst giving both past and current volunteers the opportunity to exhibit work in this unique show. Coming from a broad range of backgrounds it showcases a diverse and exciting selection of contemporary art practice that has contributed to, and developed, as part of the growing vibrant Nottingham arts scene. The success of Surface Gallery has been inspirational to some of its volunteers, who have gone on to exhibit in and curate exhibitions throughout the UK, work at the Tate Modern and V&A Museum and even establish their own creative businesses. The main focus of the exhibition is to celebrate the individuals who have contributed to the success of the Gallery over the past 10 years, as well as acting as a reflection upon how the experience of volunteering at Surface Gallery has influenced and made an impact on their future career paths.

About

Surface Gallery is an independent, volunteer run, contemporary art
gallery based in Nottingham that exists to support the professional
development of early and mid-career artists, curators and people
wishing to work in the arts.

The Gallery is keen to facilitate experimental and innovative work,
encouraging artists to explore new avenues in their practice.

The Gallery is constituted as a cooperative and managed by a management
committee. Volunteers working at the Gallery are split into
sub-committees to manage different areas of the gallery including
Exhibitions, Press/Marketing, Finance, Fundraising, Education and
Management.

Support us

Donate to Surface Gallery and your invaluable support will help us to:
Deliver an inspiring exhibition programme
Support the development of aspiring artists and arts professionals
Refurbish the Gallery space and purchase new equipment